Monday, August 26, 2013

World News Briefs -- August 26, 2013



U.N. Inspectors Reach Syria Gas Victims, Despite Coming Under Fire -- Reuters

BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters) - U.N. chemical weapons experts interviewed and took blood samples on Monday from victims of last week's apparent poison gas attack in a rebel-held suburb of Syria's capital, after the inspectors themselves survived sniper fire that hit their convoy.

Military chiefs from the United States and its European and Middle Eastern allies met in Jordan for what could be a council of war should they decide to punish Syria for the worst reported chemical weapons attack in 25 years.

Washington says President Barack Obama is considering options to respond to what the United States believes was the mass gassing of civilians by President Bashar al-Assad's forces on August 21. Many hundreds of people died in Damascus suburbs in what appears to have been the worst chemical weapons attack since Saddam Hussein gassed thousands of Kurds to death in 1988.

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MIDDLE EAST

Kerry makes justification for military strike in Syria, says chemical arms use an ‘obscenity’.

Syria: Russia dooms hopes of UN Security Council resolution.

Syria: UN inspectors' vehicle hit by sniper fire.

Syrian opposition says peace talks off the table after Damascus attack.

Syria rebels take control of strategic town. Syria rebels seize strategic town, execute Alawite cleric: activists.

Turkey would join coalition against Syria, says foreign minister.

Scores dead in Iraq insurgent attacks. Militants disguised in military uniforms abduct and kill 6 farmers north of Baghdad.

As violence worsens, Iraq again turns to Sunni tribes.

Israeli troops kill three Palestinians in predawn raid: hospital.

Under threat of attack, Hezbollah turns Beirut neighborhood into fortress.

Iran adds to atom capacity, holds down stockpile growth: diplomats.

Turkey's 'standing man' wins German award.

ASIA

Karzai seeks Pakistan's help during visit.

Japan scrambles jets against Russian military planes.

Trial of Bo Xilai ends in China.

Japanese government to take over Fukushima nuclear reactor.

Cambodian opposition threatens vote protest.

India's economic downturn leaves middle classes fearing the worst.

UN official's visit sparks Sri Lanka protest.

AFRICA

Egypt military enlists religion to quell ranks.

Egypt's Mubarak, Muslim Brotherhood trials adjourned.

Heavy casualties on both sides as Congo soldiers fight rebels near eastern city.

United Nations troops accused of killing two civilians in Congo.

Casualties on both sides as Congolese soldiers and UN forces clash with rebels.

Ennahda lays out new Tunisia government terms.

South Sudan's Kiir puts generals under investigation for abuses.

Tens of thousands of workers join strike in South Africa.

EUROPE

Syria crisis: Cameron and Putin disagree on evidence in phone call.

'Recall Parliament NOW': MPs say Cameron must go to the Commons to debate Syria as Britain and U.S. prepare missile strikes 'within days'.

Germany suggests it would support military response if Syria chemical weapons attack confirmed.

Merkel rival: Suspend trade talks over NSA scandal.

Greece 'may need 10bn euros more' in aid - Stournaras.

Ukraine leader ignores Putin warning on EU path.

Navalny shakes up Moscow mayor campaign.

Macedonian PM threatens early election over political deadlock.

'Our generation is a lost cause': Spain's youth struggle to chart a life amid economic crisis.

AMERICAS

Yosemite fire is 'highest priority' in nation.

U.S. faces mid-October deadline to raise debt limit.

Mexican drug cartel activity in U.S. said to be exaggerated in widely cited federal report.

Colombian soldiers killed in ambush in Arauca province.

Argentina rejects court order to pay 'vulture fund'.

In Colombia, peace talks advance despite crises.

Deadly Mexico train derailment blamed on stolen nails.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida branch blames Hezbollah for Lebanese bombings.

US Syria intervention could help al Qaeda.

Suicide bombers may use explosives in breast implants, Indian airports on high alert.

Sinai jihadists threaten attacks as Egyptian army claims successes.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Report: Worst team in baseball set to become most profitable in MLB history.

Folgers remains No. 1 cup of coffee in America.

Instagram, Vine and Netflix hit by Amazon glitch.

Belarus holds Russian Uralkali potash boss in price row.

Apple iPhone rumor roundup: Fast and gray 5S, cheap and plastic 5C.

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